Chapter 24

Twenty-Four

Elena

Christmas Eve

The bride’s room was quiet, with only the soft rustle of fabric breaking the stillness as I adjusted the skirt of my dress. In the full-length mirror, an image stared back at me that I could hardly believe was mine. Simple yet elegant, the empire-waist gown felt like the perfect choice. Soft folds draped gracefully over my growing belly, making me feel like the most beautiful version of myself.

I smoothed my hands over the delicate lace detailing along the bodice, my fingers trembling slightly. I wasn’t nervous—not about marrying Cory—but the enormity of this moment felt like it was settling over me all at once.

The door creaked open behind me, and I turned to see my mom stepping inside, her eyes lighting up the second she saw me. “Elena,” she breathed, pressing a hand to her chest. “You look stunning.”

A lump rose in my throat as I watched her cross the room, her soft lavender dress swaying with her movements. “Thanks, Mom,” I said, my voice catching.

She reached out, gently adjusting the veil draped over my shoulders. “Hold still,” she said, her tone light but affectionate. “Let’s make sure everything is perfect.”

I caught her reflection in the mirror behind me as her hands worked. Her eyes were soft, her expression thoughtful. “Do you remember the day we went shopping for this dress?” she asked, a nostalgic smile tugging at her lips.

I laughed lightly, nodding. “How could I forget? Cory flying us and my close friends to Dallas to shop—it felt like something out of a movie.”

Mom chuckled, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe he insisted on making a whole day of it. The way he kept walking into every boutique, pretending he knew what he was looking for…”

We both laughed, and I could picture it so clearly—Cory standing awkwardly in the middle of a sea of dresses, his face a mix of determination and confusion as he tried to offer opinions.

Mom’s smile softened, and she rested her hands on my shoulders, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “It was such a special day, Elena. And now look at you—you’re glowing.”

Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away, not wanting to ruin the makeup Sarah had carefully applied earlier. “It still feels like a dream,” I admitted.

“It’s not a dream,” she said gently. “It’s everything you deserve.”

A knock at the door interrupted us, and Sarah’s voice came from the other side. “Elena? Are you decent? I’m coming in!”

I laughed, calling back, “Come on in!”

Sarah stepped in, her burgundy dress catching the light. Her eyes widened as she took me in. “Wow,” she said, shaking her head in mock disbelief. “You’re really pulling off the whole ‘radiant bride’ thing, aren’t you?”

“Stop,” I said with a grin, waving her off.

“No, seriously,” she said, coming closer. “Cory’s not going to be able to take his eyes off you. He’s probably out there pacing right now, wondering if he’s dreaming too.”

Her words sent a warm flutter through me, and I reached out to squeeze her hand. “Thanks, Sarah. For everything.”

She gave me a knowing smile. “You’d do the same for me.”

As she stepped back, my mom leaned down to give me a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll head out and take my seat,” she said softly. See you out there, sweetheart. Your father is waiting outside the door.”

I nodded, watching her leave before turning back to the mirror one last time. The image staring back at me didn’t just look like a bride—it looked like someone ready for her future.

“Ready?” Sarah asked, holding out my bouquet.

I took a deep breath. The sight of roses, poinsettias, and holly filled my heart as I gripped the bouquet tightly. “Ready.”

With one last glance in the mirror, I followed her out the door, my heart full and steady as I stepped toward the moment I’d waited for my entire life.

The soft strains of the organ reached me before I saw the chapel, a warm, inviting melody that made my heart flutter. As I stood with my father just outside the grand double doors, waiting for them to open, I imagined what it must look like inside. Still, nothing could have prepared me for the breathtaking sight that greeted me when the doors finally swung wide.

The chapel was like something out of a fairy tale. The pews were lined with arrangements of holly and red ribbons, the deep green leaves glistening softly in the warm light. Flickering candles stood at the front, their fragile light casting a romantic shimmer across the space. High-arched ceilings stretched above, creating an almost cathedral-like effect that made the entire room feel timeless.

At the altar, Cory stood waiting, a vision of calm in his dark tuxedo, though the small smile on his lips betrayed his nerves. Beside him was Jake, dressed in a matching tux, the ring box clutched proudly in his small hands. His grin stretched so wide it looked like his face might burst.

I felt a wave of emotion rise in my chest as I linked arms with my dad. He turned to me, his eyes shining with pride. “You ready for this?” he asked. His was voice was gruff with emotion.

I smiled, squeezing his arm. “I’ve never been more ready.”

The organ music swelled, filling the space with a melody so beautiful it made my chest ache. Slowly, we began our walk down the aisle.

As we made our way forward, I took in the faces that turned to watch me, and my breath caught. The chapel wasn’t just full—it was overflowing. A few people stood along the walls, smiling and craning their necks for a better view. My heart swelled as I recognized faces from all parts of my life.

There was Mrs. Callahan, my high school English teacher, sitting beside a childhood friend I hadn’t seen in years. In another pew, clients from Reflections waved discreetly, their smiles as bright as the candles lighting the room. Cory’s parents sat proudly on one side while my mom sat opposite, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she beamed at me.

The sight was overwhelming in the best way. I had worried about whether anyone would come on Christmas Eve, but now, surrounded by so many familiar faces, I felt an indescribable joy.

As we neared the front, my eyes locked on Cory’s. He stood tall and steady, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made the rest of the room blur. Jake’s grin grew even wider as I caught his eye, and I couldn’t help but wink at him, earning a soft giggle from the pews nearby.

When we reached the altar, my dad turned to me, his expression softening. “You look just like your mother did on her wedding day,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He kissed my cheek, then placed my hand in Cory’s.

His fingers wrapped around mine, warm and steady. Cory’s eyes searched mine, and in that moment, the entire room seemed to fade away. It was just us—standing on the edge of forever.

The officiant’s warm voice filled the chapel, steady and confident as he spoke of love, commitment, and the promises Cory and I were about to make. I stood there, my hand in Cory’s, feeling the weight of the moment settle over us. The light from the flickering candles at the front of the chapel settled across his face, illuminating the tenderness in his eyes.

I hardly noticed the dozens of eyes on us. It was just Cory and me, standing together in this sacred moment. My heart raced, but the way Cory’s thumb gently brushed over the back of my hand grounded me, reminding me that we were exactly where we were meant to be.

When it was time for the vows, Cory began, his voice strong but full of emotion. “Elena,” he said, his gaze locked on mine. “From the moment I saw you again, I knew you were the one thing my life had been missing. You’ve given me a second chance—a chance to be a better man, a loving father, and to build the life I’ve always wanted but never thought I deserved. You’ve brought love, light, and purpose into my world.”

His voice wavered slightly, and I saw Jake grinning proudly beside him, holding the ring box as if it were the most important job in the world. Cory glanced at him briefly before returning his focus to me. “I promise to stand by you through every joy, every challenge, and every moment in between. You and Jake—and this little one—are my everything. I love you, and I always will.”

My eyes brimmed with tears, and I barely managed to whisper, “I love you too,” before the officiant gestured for me to say my vows.

I took a deep breath, squeezing Cory’s hand as I began. “Cory, when I look at you, I see more than the man I fell in love with. I see the father Jake adores, the partner I’ve dreamed of, and the family I never thought I’d have. You’ve shown me what it means to be loved unconditionally and how to trust again. You’ve brought so much joy and peace into my life.”

My voice grew steadier as I continued. “I promise to love you through all the highs and lows and to build a life with you full of love, laughter, and family. You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’m so proud to be standing here with you today.”

A quiet sniffle came from the front row, and I glanced briefly to see my mother dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, her smile radiant.

The officiant smiled as he signaled to Jake and Sarah, who stepped forward with the rings. Cory leaned down slightly so Jake could open the box, and the look of pure pride on Jake’s face made my chest tighten with emotion.

Cory slipped the ring onto my finger, his hands steady and sure. When it was my turn, I slid his ring into place, feeling the cool metal against my fingers as if it symbolized the strength of everything we had built together.

“With these vows and these rings,” the officiant said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Cory’s smile widened, and he leaned in, brushing his lips against mine in a kiss that was full of promise. The chapel erupted in applause, but I hardly heard it. All I could feel was Cory’s hand on my waist, his love wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

When we pulled apart, Jake clapped louder than anyone, his excitement impossible to contain. I laughed, reaching out to pull him into a quick hug before turning back to Cory.

“You’re my forever now,” Cory whispered, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

“And you’re mine,” I whispered back, knowing without a doubt that this moment was just the beginning of the life we were meant to share.

The reception room was breathtaking. It was a cozy winter wonderland with holly and poinsettia centerpieces, soft fairy lights, and the hum of cheerful conversation. At the center stood a three-tiered cake topped with a miniature Eiffel Tower, a nod to our Paris honeymoon.

As Cory and I entered, hand in hand, applause erupted. Familiar faces surrounded us—friends, family, and even clients from Reflections. I couldn’t stop smiling as we greeted everyone.

In the corner, Jake proudly pointed to the cake, explaining the topper to anyone who’d listen. “That’s where they’re going for their honeymoon!” he declared, his excitement contagious.

Cory gently squeezed my hand, steering me toward a strikingly elegant woman standing near the door. Her poised demeanor radiated warmth, and her smile widened as we approached.

“Elena, I’d like you to meet Asha,” Cory said, his tone filled with affection. “She’s been one of my closest friends and an incredible advisor over the years.”

Asha extended her hand, her eyes sparkling. “So wonderful to finally meet you, Elena. Cory’s talked about you endlessly—it’s clear you’ve brought him back to life, and he’s not such a grouch anymore.”

“The pleasure’s mine,” I said sincerely, taking her hand.

“And this is my fiancé, Samuel,” Asha added, gesturing to the tall, sharply dressed man beside her. His easy smile mirrored hers as he gave me a firm handshake.

“Congratulations to you both,” I said warmly, my heart swelling at the sense of connection and shared happiness in the room.

“We couldn’t miss this for the world,” Asha said. “You two deserve every bit of joy tonight. And Paris—how romantic!”

I laughed, glancing at Cory. “He does know how to make an impression.”

As Jake bounded over to join us, proudly explaining the Eiffel Tower topper for the umpteenth time, I felt the pure magic of the moment settle in—a perfect blend of love, family, and new beginnings.

When it was time, Cory and I cut the cake, feeding each other small bites as laughter rippled through the room. Later, he pulled me onto the dance floor for our first dance. The music was soft and slow, wrapping us in the kind of magic only moments like this could bring. “This is everything I ever wanted,” I murmured, leaning into him.

“It’s just the beginning,” he whispered back.

Before we left, Jake’s hand reached out for mine. “Don’t forget me. I’ll be playing with the new stuff I think I’m getting for Christmas while I’m at Grandma’s.”

I hugged him tightly. “I could never forget you.”

Outside, sparklers lit up the night as we waved goodbye. Cory held the limo door for me, and as we pulled away, I looked back at Jake’s bright smile.

“Ready for Paris, Mrs. Harrison?” Cory asked, his hand slipping into mine.

I smiled at him, my heart full. “Ready for everything, Mr. Harrison.”

The limo’s motor hummed softly as it carried us away from the chapel toward the private airport, the glow of sparklers fading in the distance. I leaned back against the plush seat, my hand still entwined with Cory’s, the warmth of his touch grounding me in the surrealness of the moment.

Outside, the darkened streets twinkled with Christmas lights, a festive backdrop to what felt like the happiest night of my life. I glanced at Cory, his profile softened by the muted interior lighting. His tuxedo jacket was slightly rumpled, his tie loosened, and yet he’d never looked more perfect to me.

“Mrs. Harrison,” he said, turning to meet my gaze, a teasing smile morphing over his lips. “How does it feel?”

I laughed softly, the sound spilling out before I could stop it. “Honestly? It feels incredible… like something out of a dream.”

“Well,” he said, raising my hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to my fingers, “a wonderful dream I never imagined would come true.”

I glanced down at the simple gold band on his finger, its meaning as profound as the vows we had just spoken. “It really is, isn’t it?”

He nodded, his thumb tracing idle circles over the back of my hand. “You, me, Jake, the baby… Paris is just step one. After that, we’re building the life we’ve always wanted…with a little help from Grandpa Prescott.”